A major new report warns that England’s support system for children with special educational needs is fundamentally flawed, leaving many autistic students struggling to access appropriate education.
The Institute for Public Policy Research says mainstream schools lack the resources to meet complex needs, forcing families into lengthy battles for Education Health and Care Plans. The number of pupils with these plans has more than doubled since 2016.
Evie, 18, from Sheffield, spent three years out of school after her physical and academic needs couldn’t be met by either mainstream or specialist settings. She told the BBC: “There’s a massive gap in the system for people like me… Everything shouldn’t be so much of a fight.”
Another student, Betsey, was diagnosed with autism only in sixth form and missed out on vital support. She described experiencing “autistic burnout” and frequent meltdowns due to the overwhelming school environment.
The government has delayed reforms to the SEND system until 2026, but says it’s investing £740 million in specialist school places and embedding SEND leads in local hubs. Campaigners say urgent action is needed to ensure all children can thrive without having to battle for their basic right to education.
